We ended family vacation by going to the Danskin Expo, where we put our bikes in the transition area, got our timing chip and colored swim cap and found out what wave we were going to start with. This year, we went with the Buddy group so that we could all start together. I think next year we'll go with our age group so that we don't have to wait until the very end to take off, but it was such a memorable experience standing in the water with my friends as we waited for the go signal to start our swim.
Here is a back shot of me about to cross the line to complete the 12 mile biking portion of the event. If only you could see my face, you would know how much I hate biking. I'm going to have to really practice in this area to improve my time for next year.
Laura, looking like it was no thing at all to just have biked 12 miles. I say it's because of the clips and camel pack :)
Here is Alison coming out of the transition area to begin the 3 mile run. She made an incredible time - finishing somewhere around 600 out of almost 2000 ladies - pretty impressive!
I wish we had a picture of the beginning, when the four of us were standing with our wave (all the purple caps) by the lake waiting for it to be our turn to begin the swim. I can't even describe the adrenaline as we got into place and put our goggles on. And then we were off...swimming with a mass of women all trying to get to the same place. What makes us want to swim in dirty water and get kicked in the side and face to boot? I don't know, but I do know that I have grown the most in my swimming ability. I couldn't do two laps without being totally out of breath when we began training and now, I can swim a mile without stopping to rest. That's a miracle and a testimony that it is possible for anyone to take up swimming.
Here's me coming out of the transition area. My smile is because I am 2/3's of the way done!
Yes, I feel like I look in this picture - ready to drop. But what a neat feeling to be on the other side wearing the medal. Pretty cool.
Alison Robert, Alison Ryan, me and Laura Murray - we make a fun fitness team. 
Anyone want to join us for next year? Women came from all over Texas to participate. And trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!
I have to end by giving a special thanks to my mother-in-law, E., as most of you know her. She should really get mother-in-law of the year award because she had to walk (pushing a stroller) at least 1.5 miles to get to the event and 1.5 miles back (up two hills each time). And Keith couldn't have made it with the boys without her. It was special to have you there mom. Thanks. And thanks to my mom who got up to bring us breakfast at 5:30 a.m. and then watched Brynlee for the event.
And I can't close without thanking my sweet husband - who has run many miles with me to help me prepare, stayed up with me a lot of the night before the event and has encouraged me so much with his confidence in me. You're simply amazing and I am totally in love with you.
